Posts tagged Eating Chocolate
The Pursuit of Happiness – Emotional Intelligence View
Aug 29th
Happiness is a concept so widely discussed and so differently perceived by humans. Most of them think of it as pure hedonism or instant satisfaction. The pleasant sensation one experiences after eating chocolate, drinking a glass of fine wine, winning a prize or having a warm bath might be defined as happiness. But it has a short-term nature. One usually strives to achieve long-time pleasure and gratification that comes with true happiness.
An honest view of yourself and the surrounding world leads to identifying what is truly meaningful and important in your life and capitalizing on those virtues. Thus, filtering the significant aspects and values you can achieve true happiness. The entire process is influenced by one’s emotions. Emotional intelligence certainly contributes to the enhancement of the pursuit of happiness as the persons endowed with such an ability are optimistic, harmonized with their passions and emotionally self-aware.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment” and “a pleasurable or satisfying experience”. This doesn’t restrict the source of happiness to the inner or outer realms. However, most of the people tend to believe that true happiness comes from inside, within. Ed Diener, the happiness-expert psychologist from the University of Illinois, has surveyed numerous persons in order to establish a hierarchy of most important things in humans’ life. Only 6 percent of the surveyed ones around the world have rated money as more important than happiness. 69 % have declared happiness as the most prominent and essential thing in life.
Many have claimed that people who have a more modest condition enjoy more the little things in life, whereas the rich ones tend to take the privileges for granted. The former work their way through hardship to discover how to really appreciate what life has to offer. The example of a rich and prestigious professor has to endorse this assertion. The respective American professor went for the first time to an international conference in Europe to present a scientific paper of his. He was quite excited for being there.
However, a colleague of his showed him what real appreciation of this opportunity meant. The latter was a young professor at a small college in the United States. He came from a working-class family and was the first one to complete university studies. He also traveled to Europe and abroad for the first time and his trip was funded by the college he was working at. His enthusiasm was even more intense due to the fact they were in England and his family originated in Wales, which determined him to retrace the castle that carried his family name. The prestigious professor was invited by the young one to join him in his quest. Arriving there, after difficulties caused by weather conditions and poor directions, the two had to pay for their access fee in spite of the name the young one bore. Nevertheless, he was very happy and touched by the experience he came to live. This proved to the prestigious professor that happiness had more to do with living to the fullest emotions and special opportunities rather than with material possessions.
Euphoria – 5 Pieces of the Prize
Aug 28th
Euphoria! We humans are born in need and all we know lifelong is need; life is needful! We need water, food, and shelter first…and perhaps love is next. But then…after the essentials are realized, we continue to seek! We seek Euphoria. Uh-huh, humans seek Euphoria. We seek it in so many ways. It is the golden prize; it is that best-of-the-best feeling.
Feeling awesome! It’s all about flooding the brain with that natural high called endorphins! Spending money, finishing a great prayer, eating chocolate, exercising vigorously, doing narcotics, gambling, having good sex or making love, dancing, drinking alcohol…these are only the start of a huge list of that which creates Euphoria.
1) Start on healthy footing! The pursuit of Euphoria, of course can be a positive or a negative, obviously. Therefore – as is true with all aspects of life – we must seek both balance, and reasonable choices. When we begin with the realization that Euphoria is within our own self – not outside – then we can start on healthy footing.
2) Make the choice! Be happy now! Happiness is a conscious choice, not something “out there”. In order to manufacture Euphoria it is important to understand that it is not something outside of our own person; we make the choice for healthy happiness. When we ingest something to feel euphoric, obviously we have been unable to make that realization or make that conscious choice.
3) Examine your motives! When we look closely at our own Euphoria – or that which gives us the most pleasure – we begin to see our motives in life, or that which motivates us. Be careful to note that too often it is easy to confuse goals as motives. Our motives are the “why” behind our goals; our motives will push us to achieve goals, and are the footings of all we do. When we remain true to clearly defined motives, we create real and healthy Euphoria.
4) Enjoy the journey! Euphoria is not the real prize; the real prize is enjoying the journey, enjoying each day as best we can. It’s the anticipation of Euphoria that is the important item. Ever hear that expression: “It’s the journey that is the important thing”? It is so true! It is the daily pursuit of our goals and dreams (the gaining of Euphoria) that really matters! What good is it to always say: “I’ll be happy when…(fill in the blank)”? So many people say they’ll be happy when… I feel bad for them!
5) The healthiest Euphoria is based in goodness and love. For me, the vast majority of my euphoria is faith in God, giving me daily pleasure. For others it may be something more (if there is such a thing). Examine your euphoria when you feel it and recognize its basis. If it is the result of goodness, love, or healthy activity, it is real and true.
In my thinking, point number 4 is the best barometer or indicator that you are on a good path in life. Whatever it is that gives you healthy and positive Euphoria each and every day…THAT is what you must be sure to add every day. When Euphoria is built into the journey, your goals become the ultimate rush of Euphoria.
In conclusion, I would add that a strong “Abundant Life Coach” understands and teaches these concepts. In fact, it is my contention that lifelong abundance in all areas of life is the ultimate in euphoria.
